A Little Bit Of Country
Country Music
Country music is one of the most popular genres today, with a rich and fascinating history. In this overview, we’ll take you through its origins and evolution.
Emerging in the rural South and West during the 20th century, country music developed as a blend of folk, church music, and African American blues. It features instruments like the acoustic guitar, autoharp, fiddle, and banjo, creating its signature sound.
The Father of Country Music
Country music began gaining popularity in the late 1920s, offering a stark contrast to the mainstream music of the time. In 1927, Jimmie Rodgers, known as the “Father of Country Music,” became an instant national sensation.
Rodgers’ release of Blue Yodel earned him his first million-selling single, solidifying his place as the first major voice in country music. Sadly, his career was cut short when he passed away in 1933, just six years after his debut. In recognition of his impact, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1961.
Early pioneers of country music
The rise of country music was greatly influenced by the expansion of broadcast radio. In the 1920s, radio stations began emerging across Southern and Midwestern cities, many of which dedicated airtime to programming that resonated with rural audiences.
Before television, families would gather around the radio, and one of the most influential programs, Grand Ole Opry, played a key role in bringing country music into the mainstream.
Among the early pioneers of country music was the Carter Family, consisting of A.P. Carter, his wife Sara, and his sister-in-law Maybelle. Their songs, including Keep on the Sunny Side, catapulted them to stardom. The family’s legacy continued when one of its members, June Carter, later married legendary country singer Johnny Cash.
Country music evolved
In the early 1930s, Western movies took Hollywood by storm, and country music became a staple in many cowboy films. This exposure propelled numerous country artists into the spotlight and helped bring the genre into the mainstream.
During World War II, as many Southern rural whites migrated across the country, country music encountered new influences, including blues and gospel. Its heartfelt lyrics—often centred on themes of poverty, hardship, and orphaned children—resonated with listeners who could relate to these struggles.
As country music evolved, so did its sound. Early on, drums were considered “too loud” and “not pure” for the genre. However, in 1935, Bob Wills introduced drums into his music, and audiences quickly embraced the new energy they brought. During this time, country music continued to grow, not just in America but around the world. Following the hardships of the Great Depression, many people turned to country music as a source of comfort and joy.
Outlaw country movement
We can’t discuss the history of country music without highlighting the outlaws.
The Outlaw Country movement emerged as a response to the growing commercialisation of the genre. Many independent artists believed the mainstream country was becoming too polished and formulaic, straying from its raw, authentic roots. Rejecting industry norms, artists like Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, and David Allan Coe abandoned traditional suits, grew their hair long, and made music on their terms.
This rebellious spirit reignited people’s passion for country music, breathing new life into a genre that some feared was losing its identity.
new wave of country music
Hollywood also played a role in country music’s resurgence. The 1980 film Urban Cowboy, starring John Travolta, helped popularise a fresh, modern take on country music, introducing it to an even wider audience.
This new wave of country music had a more melodic and easy-going sound, led by artists like Johnny Lee and Dolly Parton, who both achieved major success on both the country and pop charts. The 1970s became known as the country’s “disco era,” a period that, while commercially successful, is often criticised by traditionalists.
Class of ’89
In the 1980s, country music shifted toward more relatable themes, focusing on love, friendship, and everyday life, making it especially appealing to younger audiences. Then, in 1989, a pivotal moment in country music history occurred—the birth of the Class of ’89.
This legendary group of rising stars included Garth Brooks, Clint Black, and Alan Jackson, all of whom had major country hits that year. They infused the genre with a rock and roll attitude, helping to modernise country music and create a seamless transition into the sounds of the 1990s and 2000s.
In the late 90s, Shania Twain had immense success in the United States and the UK with her country-pop crossover album ‘Come On Over,’ creating a whole new fan base.
Country influences continue to make waves in mainstream music. A prime example is Old Town Road, which spent a record-breaking 17 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2018 and featured country star Billy Ray Cyrus. Since then, there has been a huge resurgence, with artists such as Taylor Swift and Beyonce all releasing country music. Not forgetting the mammoth hit for Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga – Die with a Smile, which won them a Grammy award for ‘Best Duo Performance’ in 2024.
